Kinder Morgan shareholders hear from B.C. Chief at AGM, promotes sustainability disclosure

Kinder Morgan shareholders hear from B.C. Chief at AGM, promotes sustainability disclosure
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Chief Judy Wilson from the Neskonlith Nation spoke at the Kinder Morgan AGM in Houston on Wednesday. Photo courtesy CBC/Rafferty Baker.

Chief Judy Wilson from the Neskonlith Nation spoke at the Kinder Morgan AGM in Houston on Wednesday. Photo courtesy CBC/Rafferty Baker.

A First Nations leader from B.C. says she is “overwhelmed and impressed” by a shift in sentiment by Kinder Morgan shareholders after speaking at the company’s annual general meeting Wednesday.

Neskonlith Chief Judy Wilson is in Houston, Texas presenting Indigenous opposition to the proposed Trans Mountain pipeline expansion.

Wilson called on Kinder Morgan to provide greater sustainability disclosure on the company’s environmental, social and governance risk, including human and Indigenous rights.

The Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs said a vote for a resolution was passed with majority support after hearing Wilson tell the pipeline builder it is violating Indigenous policy in B.C.

“Kinder Morgan has been promoting the Trans-Mountain expansion to its stockholders without explaining all the drastic risks of Indigenous opposition, backed by court decisions recognizing our Indigenous rights,” Wilson stated in a release.

“This morning at the AGM, I was overwhelmed and impressed with the understanding from stockholders of the need to have our Indigenous title and rights, and Treaty rights, respected in order for their investments to have any certainty.”

Wilson says First Nations have not given consent for work on their lands

The federal government approved the pipeline expansion that would triple the amount of oil flowing between Edmonton and Burnaby.

Kinder Morgan has stopped spending on the $7.4 billion project and is considering walking away, citing opposition and delays in B.C.

More protests took place in Burnaby coinciding with Kinder Morgan’s AGM in Texas.

A protester tying himself to a floating fence around the Kinder Morgan work site in Burnaby Wednesday morning. Photo courtesy Flickr/Protect the Inlet.

A protester tying himself to a floating fence around the Kinder Morgan work site in Burnaby Wednesday morning. Photo courtesy Flickr/Protect the Inlet.

Kayaks were used by protesters and at least two tied themselves to a floating fence that surrounds the construction site and blocking workers from entering by water.

At least two arrests have been made.

With files from the Canadian Press.

Andy NealAndy Neal

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